If you experience a dental emergency, contact our office as soon as possible for guidance on how to proceed. A dental emergency can permanently damage the teeth or soft tissue of the mouth. Dental emergencies should be treated quickly with the right care. We offer emergency dentistry care in Flower Mound, TX, as part of our general dental treatments. Our office provides same-day dental care.
Emergency Dentistry in Flower Mound, TX
Our dental care team provides comprehensive dental care to resolve most dental emergencies. Seeking treatment for any type of damage to the teeth or gums is important for the stability of your long-term oral health.
Chipped or Cracked Tooth
If a tooth becomes chipped or cracked, repairing the damaged structure promptly will prevent further deterioration and potential decay. Contact us in the event of tooth damage so that we can coordinate appropriate treatment.
If you feel pain, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to minimize discomfort. Please alert us to your pain, as it can indicate a more complex problem with the tooth.
Treatment for chipped or cracked teeth can include tooth bonding or a dental crown. These treatments will be recommended based on the location and severity of the damage. Both will improve the integrity of the tooth and help prevent further damage.
Knocked Out Tooth
If you knock out a tooth, immediate dental care is essential for minimizing the impact. Locate the tooth and place it under the tongue or in a glass of milk to keep it moist. It can be placed back into the socket if this does not disturb an exposed root or cause pain. We will likely see you that day and provide treatment to reattach the tooth, address damage, and discuss tooth replacement options.
Sudden Tooth Pain
If you have a sudden toothache or pain in or around a tooth, contact our office to discuss the situation and get care advice. Tooth pain can indicate various potential problems, from infection to an abscess under the gums. Our dental care team is equipped to diagnose and treat your dental health concerns and help you restore oral health and wellness.
Broken Dental Restoration
Contact our office for advice if you have a damaged or dislodged dental crown, bridge, or denture. We can help you manage the concern before coming in for a visit. Our office can repair or replace a dental restoration to prevent additional dental problems. Prompt attention to this type of dental problem is important for your long-term dental health.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, but many can be prevented with a little care and attention. Protecting your teeth and gums is the best way to avoid painful and costly emergencies.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent dental emergencies. Brushing your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other issues that may lead to emergencies. If left untreated, cavities can turn into severe toothaches or infections. Keeping your teeth clean helps prevent plaque buildup, which can cause serious dental problems over time.
Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
Wearing a mouthguard is crucial if you play sports or engage in activities that carry a risk of injury. A mouthguard helps protect your teeth from being knocked out, cracked, or damaged. Contact sports like football, basketball, or hockey have a higher risk of dental injuries, but even activities like biking, skateboarding, or rollerblading can lead to accidents. A custom-made mouthguard, fitted by your dentist, offers the best protection, but store-bought options are also available.
Avoid Chewing Hard Objects
Chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or popcorn kernels can lead to cracked or broken teeth. The force required to break or chip a tooth can be enough to cause a dental emergency. Try to avoid chewing on anything other than food; if you have a habit of chewing ice, consider breaking it. A chipped or broken tooth can be painful and require immediate dental attention, so protect your teeth by keeping them away from hard objects.
Eat a Balanced Diet
A healthy diet can help prevent dental problems that might lead to an emergency. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks, as sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities and tooth decay. Instead, focus on eating foods that support dental health, such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt can strengthen teeth and bones. Drinking plenty of water also helps wash away food particles and bacteria that can lead to cavities.
Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
Many people habitually use their teeth to open packages or bottles or even tear off tags. This may seem harmless, but using your teeth as tools can cause serious damage. It can lead to cracked teeth, broken crowns, or damaged fillings. Always use the proper tools for the job, and never use your teeth to cut, open, or break things.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental checkups are one of the best ways to prevent dental emergencies. Your dentist can spot problems early on, such as cavities, gum disease, or loose fillings, before they become more serious. Early treatment can help you avoid painful situations that may require emergency care. Most people should visit the dentist every six months, but your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you have specific dental concerns.
Protect Your Teeth at Night
If you grind your teeth at night (a condition known as bruxism), you might not even know it. Teeth grinding can cause serious damage to your teeth over time, leading to cracks, chips, or even tooth loss. If you suspect you grind your teeth, talk to us about getting a nightguard. A nightguard is a custom-made appliance that fits over your teeth while you sleep, preventing damage from grinding.
Be Cautious with Fillings and Restorations
If you have fillings, crowns, or other dental work, it’s important to take care of them. Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods that could dislodge or damage restorations. If you notice any issues with your dental work, such as a loose crown or a filling starting to fall out, see us as soon as possible to avoid further problems.
Stay Hydrated and Avoid Excessive Alcohol
Dehydration can cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist and help wash away food particles and bacteria. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to oral health issues, such as gum disease and tooth decay. Drinking alcohol in moderation and staying hydrated help protect your teeth.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
Learn about emergency dentistry services in our Flower Mound, TX office with answers to these common questions:
Why Is Emergency Dental Care Essential?
Emergency dental care helps fix problems right away before they get worse. Without fast treatment, small issues can become bigger problems that might need more work to fix later. Emergency care also helps stop infections and keeps your mouth healthy.
How Can I Avoid Dental Emergencies?
You can prevent future dental emergencies in multiple ways:
- Brush and Floss Daily: Brush your teeth twice daily and floss once daily to keep them clean and strong. This helps prevent problems like cavities and gum disease. These problems can create severe toothaches.
- Wear a Mouthguard: If you play sports, wear a custom mouthguard. A custom-made mouthguard can prevent tooth chips and cracks, tooth loss, and cuts to the mouth’s soft tissues.
- Stop Bad Habits: Don’t bite down on hard foods like ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy. They can crack or break your teeth. Don’t use your teeth to open packages, bottles, or anything else. This can cause chips, cracks, or even tooth loss.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit our dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. This helps catch problems early before they turn into emergencies. Cleanings also remove harmful bacteria that infect the teeth and gums.
What Follow-Up Care Do I Need After An Emergency Dental Visit?
After your emergency visit to our dental office, we generally suggest that you follow these tips:
- Take prescribed medications as directed to prevent pain and infection.
- Stick to soft foods and avoid anything hard, sticky, or spicy until your mouth feels better.
- Use cold compresses if you have swelling.
- Give your body time to heal by avoiding strenuous activities.
- Schedule a follow-up appointment in our office.
When Do I Have To Go To A Hospital For A Dental Emergency?
You should go to a hospital for a dental emergency if you experience:
- Severe bleeding
- Broken jaw
- Swelling and breathing problems
- Severe pain or infection
For less urgent problems, like a knocked-out tooth or a lost filling, you should see our dentist as soon as possible. However, you don’t need to go to the hospital unless you have a medical emergency.
Do I Need Emergency Dental Care If Something Is Stuck Between My Teeth Or Gums?
Something stuck between your teeth or gums may not require emergency dental care, but it can be uncomfortable. First, try to remove the object gently using dental floss. Be careful not to force it, which could hurt your gums or teeth.
If the object won’t come out or causes pain, swelling, or bleeding, contact us. Our dentist can help remove it safely and check for damage to your teeth or gums. If you’re in a lot of pain or notice serious symptoms, like bleeding that won’t stop, you may need to seek emergency dental care.
What Do I Do At Home If I Have A Toothache?
Before visiting our office, you can manage your tooth pain at home. You can make a saltwater rinse at home. Mix a teaspoon of salt in warm water and rinse your mouth. This can help reduce swelling and clean the area around the tooth. Also, take medicine to reduce pain. Be sure to follow the directions on the label.
If you experience swelling, place a cold pack or a wrapped ice cube outside your cheek near the sore tooth. This can help numb the pain and reduce swelling.
Can I Fix A Broken Tooth At Home?
No, you can’t fully fix a broken tooth at home. However, you can manage it before you get to our office.
First, gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area around the broken tooth. You can apply a cold pack to the outside of your cheek near the broken tooth. This can help reduce pain and swelling. If your broken tooth edge is sharp, use sugar-free gum or dental wax to cover it and protect your mouth from cuts or irritation. Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
Then, call us so we can properly fix your tooth. Do not try to fix your tooth on your own, as this can damage it further.
Does Insurance Cover Emergency Dental Visits?
Whether insurance covers an emergency dental visit depends on your dental insurance plan. Many plans cover part of the cost for emergencies, especially if the treatment is medically necessary, like fixing a broken tooth or treating an infection. However, some insurance policies may not cover all procedures or visits outside regular office hours.
Check your insurance policy or contact your provider to find out what is covered. You can also ask our dental office to help verify your benefits before treatment.
Get Emergency Care Today
If you need emergency dental care in Flower Mound, TX, call our office at 972-848-8745. Please let us know if you have questions about your dental concerns so we can help.